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2011 Chevrolet Volt
2011 Chevy Volt Overview
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2011 Chevrolet Volt Review
(3 Stars) Possibly 2011's most important car
Reviewed by Internet Auto Guide
The most anticipated new car in years is not a hybrid. It's not a pure-electric car. The Chevy Volt is what GM calls an "extended-range electric." It uses a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, a naturally aspirated version of the premium engine in the new Cruze, to recharge the car's 16 killowatt-hour, t-shaped lithium-ion battery pack. Yes, those are the same kind of batteries that power your Mac or PC.
On average, in normal driving, the Volt will be able to go 40 miles on a single charge without using a drop of gasoline. Once you run the battery pack down below a certain level, the 1.4-liter engine kicks in, not to drive the wheels, but to recharge the battery pack. You can refuel the four-cylinder "generator" at any station using unleaded regular or E85 ethanol.
The Volt is built on the same Delta global compact platform and 105.7-inch wheelbase as the new Cruze sedan, though the Volt is about four inches shorter overall and is a hatchback, with seating for four.... Expand full summary 
The Range
- Bodystyle: 4-door hatchback.
- Motor/Engine: 16 k-Wh Li-Ion battery pack with 1.4L I-4.
- Transmission: Single reduction ratio.
- Models: N/A at presstime
What's New
Unveiled as a handsome concept in 2007, the production Volt is more rounded and aerodynamic, but also more amorphous. Chevy says the car has no competitors, though it will be compared with hybrids and pure electrics. Expect very limited volume for a few years, at an anticipated $40,000+, less tax rebates, to serve mostly as a showroom-builder for the Cruze.
Exterior
Thanks to the familiar grille and taillamps, Volt is unmistakably a Chevrolet. At just 56.3 inches tall, it's also lower than many modern family sedans. With its smoothed edges, the design values aerodynamics over all.
Interior
The interior reflects the high-tech values of the car, with a Mac-inspired brushed chrome center stack and blue-green ambient lighting in the door panels. Expect base to premium trim packages, likely LS, LT and LTZ.
Performance & Handling
Chevy promises sporty handling and good straight-line performance. It rates the powertrain at 150 horsepower and 370 pound-feet of torque. Suspension is MacPherson struts front, compound twist axle rear. Brakes are four-wheel disc and fully regenerative. Chevy claims operation costs one-sixth the cost of a conventional 30-mpg car. Look for more impressions when Motor Trend conducts a full test drive.
Safety
Chevrolet has not yet released the Volt's list of safety features. Expect similar equipment to the Cruze, with 10 airbags, including front, side curtain bags and knee bags, plus StabiliTrak, traction control and anti-lock brakes.
EPA Fuel Economy
- The EPA has not yet said how it will determine the Chevrolet Volt's fuel economy estimates. One proposal would rate the car at 230 miles per gallon.
You'll Like
- Fuel economy
- Cutting edge technology
- Lithium-ion batteries
- Drivability
- Torque
You Won't Like
- Price
- Availability
- Exhaust note
Sum Up
Possibly 2011's most important car
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